Tobacco kills. It kills more than 4 million people each year. The magnitude of this human tragedy is shocking. Tobacco, a prime killer in the prime of the life, kills more than 8 lakh people every year in India. Currently India tops the world so far as mouth cancers are concerned. It is the leading cause of death and disease. It is predicted that deaths due to tobacco by 2020 would be more than that caused due to Tuberculosis, HIV, maternal mortality, road accidents, suicide and homicide. In addition the impact of tobacco on economy and ecology is deplorable. Perhaps, it may be befitting to equate tobacco vices with that of terrorism. Their profiles are almost synonymous so far as the end results are concerned. Tobacco is a formidable enemy of mankind and the magnitude of human tragedy inflicted is paradoxical. Tobacco menace claims lakhs of lives per year. To fight the tobacco menace, our investment is a humble dime (banning smoking in public places, offices, educational institutions, buses, trains etc). This attitude, apathy and disparity towards fighting tobacco menace, a massive silent killer, is very disappointing and against public interest. Key words: Tobacco, public health, smoking, health risk.